Jaime van Echo

Background

About Jaime van Echo

Communication is the key to unlock opportunity. Without an effective means of communication and the skills to understand and express to others, full opportunity cannot be achieved. I have worked as a Speech Pathologist since 2003 in a variety of settings as I traveled from one coast to the other with my Marine, supporting both young people with communication disorders as well as the families of active-duty Marines. Working in public schools, outpatient rehabilitation, and private-practice has given me a unique perspective on the needs of children and their families in different clinical settings. Advocating for people in unique circumstances for their education, health, and vocation is my passion. In the public schools, I used my expertise in assessment, data analysis, and clinical practice to support those with communication needs related to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Language or Articulation Disorders, Apraxia, and other Developmental Disabilities. Using the skills I learned in the outpatient setting and private practice, I used a collaborative approach working with other related service providers including Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Hearing Specialists, School nurses, and ABA therapists. I've had the opportunity to support complex communication needs developing training and transforming culture to support low and high tech AAC and AT supports including iPad based or Accent accessible LAMP-Words for Life, PASS software, Proloquo, NovaChat, TouchChat, GoTalk, and SymbolStix, BoardMaker, and Universal Core Vocabulary. In 2020, I returned to my roots in collaborative therapeutic care. In the outpatient setting, I enjoy working with patients from birth to adulthood and with families to create individual plans and best outcomes for every child I treat. In 2022, I began work at the American Speech and Hearing Association supporting members and the public to advance the field. With my experience as the family member of an adult with Autism, I have a unique perspective on the needs of the family. I am a ferocious advocate at the local, state, and federal levels with groups connected to those in the disability community to protect the civil rights of people with disabilities and for funding to provide services and supports. I am known in my community as the "go-to" source of knowledge and experience when families and individuals impacted by disability have questions or need an empathetic ear to discuss ideas. I support my local LEA as an advocate and parent representative on school and county wide committees.